Zero McKenna Celtic FC Talks as Craig Bellamy Pledges to Wales
Kieran McKenna and Wales head coach have been connected with the Scottish champions vacancy
Ipswich Town's their manager states he has had "no discussions" with the Glasgow club about their managerial vacancy, while Welsh national team manager the former striker is dedicated to seeing out his team's international campaign.
Both have been linked with the coaching position at the Scottish champions following Brendan Rodgers' resignation on Monday.
McKenna's Position on The Scottish Club
The Ipswich boss referred to Celtic as "an enormous football club" but emphasized he is "in the middle" of a "long-term project" with Ipswich Town.
The 39-year-old assumed control of Ipswich in recent years and guided the team to the Premier League with consecutive elevations, but they managed only a handful of victories last campaign as they were demoted back to the second division and they currently sit twelfth place in the Championship.
"There have been any of those discussions," the London-born ex- Irish young player said when asked about being on the candidate list.
"This isn't a matter I have considered seriously, or where any part of my focus is currently.
"I possess a special job here at a remarkable team. And we're at a crucial phase of the campaign. Anything outside of that hasn't touched my awareness."
Context and Contractual Details
It has been suggested that the manager would be open to speaking to the Scottish side given his boyhood allegiances.
"Growing up, we all have our preferences," he said when asked about those. "It's unlikely everyone has to go around and announce what they were, but naturally it's a really big sports organization."
The coach signed a fresh four-year contract in 2024 and was questioned about his alleged £5m release clause.
"Throughout coaching agreements, there are provisions," he responded. "I'm unaware what my specific terms are and, if I did, I wouldn't tell you regardless!
"I approach this role like I'll be Town's coach forever. I understand that's not always going to be the situation, but I will consistently give maximum effort as while I remain in position."
Bellamy's Situation
The former striker represented the Hoops on temporary transfer from Newcastle United in the mid-2000s, but the former Welsh forward is inclined to complete the current World Cup qualification, a position that would effectively rule out the mid-forties from assuming the Celtic job.
The Welsh squad are currently third in their qualifying group behind group toppers Belgium and runners-up Macedonia.
Wins over Liechtenstein and North Macedonia in November would secure their place in the final qualifying round, but they are virtually assured of reaching that stage, thanks to a productive Nations League performance, should they not end up their group runners-up.
Considering his present stance, Bellamy, whose agreement expires after Euro 2028, would not be available until following the play-offs at the minimum.
Key Highlights
- Ipswich's manager refutes having talks with Celtic
- The coach emphasizes dedication to his current club
- Craig Bellamy concentrated on international campaign
- Each managers linked with the Glasgow position
- Bellamy unavailable until post World Cup qualifiers